I am after a new 7.5 m sail. prefer a no-cam sail and are looking at this size as it is the biggest size that fits on a 460 mast. my question: is the gator a gruntyer, earlier planing or more efective in lighter wind than the ncx in the same size??

According to tests I have read the Gator is more manouverable, but the NCX is more powerful. Just as it should be... But this is seconhand information and I defer to those who actually have used the sails in question.

If you want it for throwing around and a softer feel, choose the Gator. If you want it for a crisper and more efficent feel (but not quite so bulletproof) choose the NCX. NCX has the bigger foot area, making it more freeride, less freemove oriented. Both are relatively grunty, neither lacking in bottom end planing power.